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York ASD Partnership Launched to Support York Region Population with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Grassroots Collaborative Created to Improve Existing Systems of Service and Support for the Growing Number of People Diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

YORK REGION, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 4, 2011) - Today sees the launch of the York ASD Partnership, a unique autism-focused, grassroots collaborative that brings together community service providers, government agencies, educators, healthcare professionals and parents dedicated to improving the existing systems of service and support for children, youth and adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in York Region.

Recognizing that collaboration is essential to effectively support and improve service delivery for those with an ASD, more than a dozen parents and professionals from across 21 organizations are working together to drive changes in the way the ASD community in York Region is supported.

The goals of the York ASD Partnership include:

Coordinated access to services to ensure that any call to an agency involved in the York ASD Partnership will lead families to the appropriate resource and action for those with an ASD;

Increase knowledge and raise awareness about ASD among physicians, service providers, parents and the general public;

Provide a continuum of coordinated services through the frequent use of individualized, electronic Single Plans of Care (SPOC);

Formalize partnerships, strengthen collaborative capacity and increase transparency and accountability across the system of support.

"York ASD Partnership is three years in the making, and the first initiative of its kind in Canada. It was created to address growing concerns that demand for services and supports for those with an Autism Spectrum Disorder in our community is on the rise, yet available resources continue to be limited," explains Neil Walker, Project Manager with the York ASD Partnership. "Our hope is that the model we've created will provide a sustainable and scalable platform that communities across the province and country can embrace to improve local service delivery to the growing number of individuals diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder."

ASDs are one of the most common developmental disabilities, and approximately 1 in 110 children today are believed to be on the spectrum. An estimated 70,000 individuals with ASDs live in Ontario, of which 8,300 are currently living in York Region including 1,660 children aged 0-14 years; 1,100 youth aged 15-24 years; and 4,600 adults aged 25-64 years.

"We're very pleased to be joining with many organizations in the York ASD Partnership Launch. Autism Ontario families in York Region are proud to have been part of this working relationship for many years where the voice of families is not only heard, but actually informs meaningful local choices for supports that have real impact on the lives of children and adults on the autism spectrum," says Margaret Spoelstra, Executive Director, Autism Ontario. "This type of partnership is ultimately the most effective in creating responses that reduce stress on families and individualized opportunities for people with an ASD."

The York ASD Partnership is a unique, grassroots collaborative of community service providers, government agencies, educators, healthcare professionals and parents dedicated to improving the existing systems of service and support for children, youth and adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder in York Region. Additional information is available at www.YorkASDPartnership.org.

Note to media:

The York ASD Partnership launch is also an Autism Awareness event to commemorate October as Canadian Autism Awareness Month. Media are invited to attend the launch event, which kicks off at 10am on Tuesday, October 4 at Glenway Country Club, 470 Crossland Gate, Newmarket, Ontario.